Skin Tumors Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following nevus types is most commonly associated with malignant melanoma development?

Dysplastic nevus. ***Dysplastic nevus*** (Correct) - **Dysplastic nevi** are considered precursor lesions and markers for increased risk of developing **malignant melanoma**. - Individuals with multiple dysplastic nevi have a significantly higher lifetime risk of melanoma compared to the general population. - Also known as **atypical nevi**, they show architectural disorder and cytologic atypia on histology. *Junctional nevus* (Incorrect) - **Junctional nevi** are benign moles with melanocytes located at the **dermo-epidermal junction**. - While theoretically a melanoma can arise from any nevus, junctional nevi are less frequently associated with melanoma development than dysplastic nevi. *Intradermal nevus* (Incorrect) - **Intradermal nevi** are benign moles where the melanocytes are located entirely within the **dermis**. - These nevi are generally stable, often appearing flesh-colored or light brown, and have a very low potential for malignant transformation. *Blue nevus* (Incorrect) - **Blue nevi** are benign lesions characterized by **deeply situated dermal melanocytes** that produce a blue or blue-black color due to the Tyndall effect. - They are typically stable and have a very low risk of malignant transformation; however, rarely, an atypical blue nevus or cellular blue nevus can undergo malignant change.

Q: Actinic keratoses are associated with

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). ***Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)*** - **Actinic keratoses** are considered a **premalignant lesion** and are the most common precursor to invasive cutaneous SCC. - They represent **atypical keratinocytes** that have the potential to progress to SCC, particularly with continued sun exposure. *Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)* - While BCC is also a **sun-related skin cancer**, it typically develops de novo and is **not directly associated** with actinic keratoses as a precursor. - BCC usually arises from the **basal layer of the epidermis** or hair follicles, unlike SCC which originates from keratinocytes. *Malignant melanoma* - **Melanoma** originates from **melanocytes**, not keratinocytes, and is not associated with actinic keratoses. - Its precursors include **dysplastic nevi** or de novo development, distinct from the epidermal changes seen in actinic keratosis. *Keratoacanthoma* - **Keratoacanthoma** is a rapidly growing, dome-shaped tumor that can resemble SCC, and some consider it a **low-grade SCC variant**. - While it may share some features with SCC, actinic keratoses are more broadly recognized as precursors directly to typical invasive SCC rather than specifically to keratoacanthoma.

Q: Which of the following nevi has the highest risk of malignant transformation to melanoma?

Congenital nevus. ***Junctional nevus*** - Junctional nevi are located at the **epidermal-dermal junction** and have a higher potential for **malignant transformation into melanoma** compared to other types of nevi [1,2]. - They often present as flat, pigmented lesions, making them distinguishable and more likely to undergo **dysplastic changes** associated with melanoma [1,4]. *Dermal nevus* - Dermal nevi are located deeper in the **dermis** and have a **lower risk** of transformation into melanoma [2]. - They are usually dome-shaped and lack the architectural changes that indicate a potential for malignancy [3]. *Lentigo nevus* - Lentigo nevi are generally benign pigmented lesions that result from **increased melanocyte activity** and are not typically associated with melanoma. - Although they can appear in sun-exposed areas, their risk for malignant transformation remains **minimal**. *Congenital nevus* - Congenital nevi can vary in size and may have some potential for **melanoma transformation**, but this risk is generally lower than that for junctional nevi. - Larger congenital nevi have a higher risk, yet they do not specifically relate to **common malignant transformation** compared to junctional nevi. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Skin, pp. 1146-1150. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Disorders Involving Inflammatory And Haemopoietic Cells, pp. 649-650. [3] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Disorders Involving Inflammatory And Haemopoietic Cells, pp. 648-649.

Q: Which of the following conditions is associated with tuberous sclerosis?

angiofibromas. ***Vascular fibroma*** - Vascular fibromas are one of the lesions associated with **tuberous sclerosis**, reflecting the hamartomatous nature of this condition [1]. - Tuberous sclerosis commonly causes **angiofibromas** (facial lesions) and other tumors, showing the vascular component in its pathology [1]. *tuberculosis* - Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by **Mycobacterium tuberculosis**, unrelated to tuberous sclerosis. - Key features include pulmonary symptoms and systemic manifestations, differing significantly from the **hamartomas** seen in tuberous sclerosis [1]. *leprosy* - Leprosy is caused by **Mycobacterium leprae** and affects the skin and peripheral nerves, with no connection to the genetic condition of tuberous sclerosis. - Clinical signs include **hypopigmented skin lesions** and **nerve damage**, which do not overlap with the **tumors** seen in tuberous sclerosis [1]. *bone disorders* - While bone disorders can occur in various conditions, they are not specifically associated with tuberous sclerosis. - Tuberous sclerosis primarily involves **neurological** and **cutaneous** manifestations rather than directly affecting bone integrity [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Central Nervous System, pp. 1318-1319.

Question 1

Which of the following nevus types is most commonly associated with malignant melanoma development?

Accepted Answer

Dysplastic nevus

Answer

Junctional nevus

Answer

Intradermal nevus

Answer

Blue nevus

Question 2

Actinic keratoses are associated with

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Answer

Keratoacanthoma

Answer

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

Answer

Malignant melanoma

Question 3

Which of the following nevi has the highest risk of malignant transformation to melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Congenital nevus

Answer

Dermal nevus

Answer

Junctional nevus

Answer

Lentigo nevus

Question 4

Which of the following conditions is associated with tuberous sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

angiofibromas

Answer

leprosy

Answer

tuberculosis

Answer

bone disorders

Skin Tumors — MCQs

Skin Tumors — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?